Systems and methods for handrail cleaning

ABSTRACT

A system, apparatus, and methods are configured for cleaning and conditioning handrails. A cleaning pad is curved to approximate the shape of a handrail, and is disposed on an arm. The arm may be mounted on a support structure, allowing it to be rolled up to an escalator handrail and left to do the cleaning while the escalator runs. When mounted, the arm may include a spring or piston to keep the arm in a particular position. A second cleaning pad may be included to dry or polish the handrail, the handrail going first through the cleaning pad and second through the drying pad. The arm may be hand-held, allowing a user to reach up or down steps or an incline. The cleaning pad may be mounted such that it rotates about the arm for storage, maintenance or better reach, such as around bends or corners.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application is a continuation of and claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/977,978, filed May 11, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,287,134, which is a continuation-in-Part of and claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/859,868, filed Jan. 2, 2018, which is a continuation of and claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/294,721, filed Oct. 15, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,856,115, which is a continuation-in-part of and claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/745,412 filed Jun. 20, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,764,929, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 62/051,671, filed on Sep. 17, 2014, all of which are incorporated herein in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates generally to handrails, and, more specifically, to systems and methods for handrail cleaning.

BACKGROUND

Handrails are used on stairwells, ADA ramps, escalators, and many walkways to help users maintain balance and safety. As such, handrails are contacted by human hands and all the elements carried thereon, as well as elements found in buildings and the outdoors. Handrails are shown to harbor bacteria and viruses, and therefore need to be cleaned regularly to maintain the health and safety of users, especially children, elderly, and others who may be immunocompromised. Cleaning handrails can carry its own hazard, as one may be required to traverse lean out over the pathway in order to clean it. Moreover, cleaning handrails can be a time consuming though menial task, diverting human labor from more demanding tasks. The disclosure disclosed herein aims to simplify the handrail cleaning process by increasing productivity, safety, and ease of cleaning handrails.

SUMMARY

This disclosure relates generally to handrails, and, more specifically, to systems and methods for handrail cleaning. The system is comprised essentially of a cleaning pad and a means to deploy the cleaning pad.

In some embodiments, the system for cleaning a handrail comprises at least one strut with a far end and a near end, and at least one pad disposed on the far end of the strut. In some embodiments, the system further comprises a pad disposed on the far end of the strut which may be configured to wrap around at least a portion of the handrail. In some embodiments, the pad disposed on the far end of the strut substantially conforms to the shape of the handrail. In some embodiments, the pad disposed on the far end of the strut may be pivotably coupled with the strut. In some embodiments, the pad disposed on the far end of the strut may be configured to slide on and off the handrail at an end of the handrail. In some embodiments, the near end of the strut may include a handle. In some embodiments, the near end of the strut may be disposed on a support structure. In some embodiments, the near end of the strut may be pivotably disposed on a support structure. In some embodiments, system for cleaning a handrail may further comprise a first strut and a second strut, the second strut disposed below the first, wherein the near end of the second strut may be disposed on the support structure; a first pad and a second pad, the second pad disposed on the far end of the second strut; wherein the first pad and the second pad are substantially aligned through a vertical plane. In some embodiments, the support structure may be disposed on four wheels. In some embodiments, the four wheels may be casters. In other embodiments, two of the four wheels may be casters, and the other two wheels may not be casters.

In some embodiments, the system for cleaning a handrail comprises a support structure; a strut disposed on a forward portion of the support structure; a first pad, the first pad disposed on the strut; and a second pad, the second pad disposed on the strut below the first pad. In some embodiments, the system for cleaning a handrail comprises at least one support structure; at least one strut with a near end and a far end, wherein the near end may be disposed on a forward portion of the at least one support structure; at least one pad disposed on the far end of the at least one strut. In some embodiments, the first pad and the second pad may be disposed such that the first pad and second pad may be substantially aligned along a vertical plane. In some embodiments, the first pad and the second pad may be disposed such that a handrail travels first through the first pad and then through the second pad. In some embodiments, the strut may be further comprised of a substantially straight portion with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end may be coupled with the forward portion of the support structure; and a mounting bracket disposed on the second end of the strut, the bracket further comprising an upper mount and a lower mount. In some embodiments, the first pad may be disposed on the upper mount of the mounting bracket and the second pad may be disposed on the lower mount of the mounting bracket.

In some embodiments, the system for cleaning a handrail comprises a support structure; a strut with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is disposed on the support structure; a mounting bracket with an upper mount and a lower mount, the mounting bracket disposed on the second end of the strut; a first pad disposed on the upper mount; and a second pad disposed on the lower mount. In some embodiments, the system for cleaning a handrail further comprises casters disposed on a front edge of the support structure. In some embodiments, the system for cleaning a handrail further comprises wheels disposed on a back edge of the support structure.

In addition to the foregoing, various other methods, systems and/or program product embodiments are set forth and described in the teachings such as the text (e.g., claims, drawings and/or the detailed description) and/or drawings of the present disclosure.

The foregoing is a summary and thus contains, by necessity, simplifications, generalizations and omissions of detail; consequently, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the summary is illustrative only and is NOT intended to be in any way limiting. Other aspects, embodiments, features and advantages of the device and/or processes and/or other subject matter described herein will become apparent in the teachings set forth herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the following drawings:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of one embodiment of a system for cleaning escalator handrails in the extended or operating position.

FIG. 2 is an environmental isometric view thereof.

FIG. 3 is an environmental side view thereof.

FIG. 4 is a side view of one embodiment thereof.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a portion thereof.

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of one embodiment of a system for cleaning escalator handrails in the maintenance position.

FIG. 7 is a side view of a portion of one embodiment of a system for cleaning escalator handrails in the maintenance position.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of one embodiment of a system for cleaning escalator handrails in the storage position.

FIG. 9 is a side view thereof.

FIG. 10 is a view of the underside of one embodiment of a system for cleaning escalator handrails.

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of one embodiment of a cleaning element for a system for cleaning escalator handrails.

FIG. 12a is a front view thereof.

FIG. 12b is a side view thereof.

FIG. 13 is an isometric view of one embodiment of a system for cleaning ADA handrails in the retracted position.

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of one embodiment of a system for cleaning ADA handrails in the extended position.

FIG. 15 is an exploded isometric view of a system for cleaning ADA handrails.

FIG. 16 is an isometric view of one embodiment of a cleaning element arrangement of a system for cleaning ADA handrails.

FIG. 17 is a front view thereof.

FIG. 18a is a right side view thereof.

FIG. 18b is a left side view thereof.

FIG. 19 is an exploded isometric view of another embodiment of the system for cleaning ADA handrails.

FIG. 20 is an isometric view of another embodiment of the system for cleaning escalator handrails.

FIG. 21 is an isometric view of another embodiment of the system for cleaning escalator handrails.

FIG. 22 is a right-side view thereof.

FIG. 23 is an isometric view of another embodiment of a system for cleaning escalator handrails in the extended or operating position.

FIG. 24 is an environmental isometric view of the system shown in FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is an environmental side view of the system shown in FIG. 23.

FIG. 26 is an isometric view of the system configured in a storage position within a cart and with cart doors in an open position.

FIG. 27 is an isometric view of a back side of the system configured in the storage position within the cart and with cart doors in a closed position.

FIG. 28 is an isometric view of the system for cleaning escalator handrails in a maintenance position.

FIG. 29 is side view of an illustrative subassembly of the system including a stanchion, mounting bracket, and cleaning elements.

FIG. 30 is an exploded isometric view of the illustrative subassembly of the system.

FIG. 31 is an isometric view of another embodiment of a cleaning element for the system for cleaning handrails.

FIG. 32 is an isometric view of the cleaning element shown in FIG. 31 including a pad.

FIG. 33 is a front view of the cleaning element shown in FIG. 31 including the pad.

FIG. 34 is a side view of the cleaning element shown in FIG. 31 including the pad.

FIG. 35 is an isometric view of the cleaning element shown in FIG. 31 including retaining clips.

FIG. 36 is a schematic view showing the retaining clips engaged on a cleaning element.

FIG. 37 is a front view of the cleaning element shown in FIG. 36 and shows an illustrative range of deflections of the cleaning element to accommodate insertion over a handrail and/or different cross-sectional profiles of different handrails.

FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional isometric view of the cleaning element shown in FIG. 35.

FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional front view of the cleaning element shown in FIG. 35.

FIG. 40 is a front view of the cleaning element shown in FIG. 39 without the retaining clips and shows an illustrative range of deflection of the cleaning element to accommodate insertion over a handrail and/or different cross-sectional profiles of different handrails.

FIG. 41 is an isometric view of yet another embodiment of a system for cleaning handrails. FIG. 41 shows a handle that is configured to selectively couple to a cleaning element.

FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional isometric view of the cleaning element shown in FIG. 41.

FIG. 43 is an isometric view of the system shown in FIG. 41 and including a pad coupler configured to secure a pad to the cleaning element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure relates generally to handrails, and, more specifically, to systems and methods for handrail cleaning. Specific details of certain embodiments of the disclosure are set forth in the following description and in FIGS. 1-43 to provide a thorough understanding of such embodiments. The present disclosure may have additional embodiments, may be practiced without one or more of the details described for any particular described embodiment, or may have any detail described for one particular embodiment practiced with any other detail described for another embodiment.

Importantly, a grouping of inventive aspects in any particular “embodiment” within this detailed description, and/or a grouping of limitations in the claims presented herein, is not intended to be a limiting disclosure of those particular aspects and/or limitations to that particular embodiment and/or claim. The inventive entity presenting this disclosure fully intends that any disclosed aspect of any embodiment in the detailed description and/or any claim limitation ever presented relative to the instant disclosure and/or any continuing application claiming priority from the instant application (e.g. continuation, continuation-in-part, and/or divisional applications) may be practiced with any other disclosed aspect of any embodiment in the detailed description and/or any claim limitation. Claimed combinations which draw from different embodiments and/or originally-presented claims are fully within the possession of the inventive entity at the time the instant disclosure is being filed. Any future claim comprising any combination of limitations, each such limitation being herein disclosed and therefore having support in the original claims or in the specification as originally filed (or that of any continuing application claiming priority from the instant application), is possessed by the inventive entity at present irrespective of whether such combination is described in the instant specification because all such combinations are viewed by the inventive entity as currently operable without undue experimentation given the disclosure herein and therefore that any such future claim would not represent new matter.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of one embodiment of a system for cleaning escalator handrails in the operating position. The system is comprised essentially of a cart arrangement 100 and a cleaning pad arrangement 200.

In some embodiments, cart 100 may include a handle 110. Handle 110 may be multipurpose. First, handle 110 may be used to push or pull cart 100 into a proper position. Second, handle 110 may be used to engage or disengage spring 111, which in turn engages or disengages handle brake 112. In some embodiments, brake 112 normally engages wheel 172, and handle 110 must be manipulated in order to disengage brake 112. For instance, in some embodiments, handle 110 is depressed, which causes spring 111 to lift brake 112, disengaging wheel 172. When handle 110 is released, spring 111 is released and brake 112 engages rear wheel 172, preventing motion of the cart. In other embodiments, handle 110 must be lifted in order to disengage brake 112. When handle 110 is released, brake 112 engages wheel 172, preventing motion of the cart.

In other embodiments, brake 112 is normally disengaged, and handle 110 must be manipulated in order to brake wheel 172. For instance, handle 110 may be lifted into a locked position, causing spring 111 to depress brake 112 and engage wheel 172. In another embodiment, handle 110 may be depressed into a locked position, causing spring 111 to shift brake 112 and engage rear wheel 172. Spring 111 may be a compression spring, a clock spring, a torsion spring, a tension spring, or any other type of tension device without altering the function of the spring. Likewise, handle 110 may be metallic, plastic, wood, may be curved, straight, or any other shape or material without altering the function of the handle.

In some embodiments, cart 100 may include a receptacle 120. Receptacle 120 may be used for refuse, or to store or transport other elements of the present disclosure. Receptacle 120 may have an opening at the top of the cart, may contain a lid (not depicted), may be removable or replaceable, and may be comprised of a rigid or flexible material as the application calls for.

In some embodiments, cart 100 may also include at least one tray 130. In an embodiment, tray 130 may be used to store the cleaning solution used with the present disclosure. In another embodiment, tray 130 may be used to store or transport additional cleaning pads or elements of the present disclosure. Tray 130 may be comprised of any rigid or semi-rigid material. In some embodiments, tray 130 may be comprised of a material that has particular characteristics, such as non-reactivity with the recommended cleaning solution, rust resistance, strength or heat characteristics, etc. In some embodiments, tray 130 is supported by beams 140. In some embodiments, beams 140 may be four in number. In other embodiments, beams 140 may be three in number as depicted in FIG. 1. In some embodiments, cart 100 may include a second tray 131. Tray 131 may serve any of the purposes of tray 130.

In some embodiments, cart 100 may include a base 170. Base 170 is the support structure for cart 100, and as such can be any rigid material without impacting the function of the base. In some embodiments, base 170 may include front wheels 171. Wheels 171 will tend to be smaller than rear wheels 172 to allow for better maneuverability of cart 100, but in some embodiments the front wheels may be substantially the same size as or even larger than rear wheels 172. In some embodiments, wheels 172 may be covered by a portion of base 170, such as a wheel guard 175.

In some embodiments, base 170 may include a bracket 173, with which struts 160 are coupled. Bracket 173 may be fastened onto base 170 in any number of ways so long as the bracket is substantially immobile. Strut 160 may be fastened onto bracket 173 in any number of ways so long as it can rotate about the fastener, as the strut is designed to be moveable. In some embodiments, strut 160 may be a single strut. In some embodiments, strut 160 may be comprised of multiple arms, such as forward arms 161 and rearward arms 162. In some embodiments, strut 160 may be comprised of 1, 2, 3, 4, or more individual arms. In a multiple-arm embodiment, each arm may move in tandem or individually, depending on the need of the particular application. In an embodiment, depicted in FIG. 1, strut 160 is comprised of two forward arms 161 and two rearward arms 162, wherein the lower portions of both sets of arms are mounted to the forward and rearward portions of bracket 173, respectively. The upper portions are coupled with a crossbar 165, which causes the individual arms to move in tandem. Crossbar 165 is further coupled with the mounting bracket, which is better depicted in FIG. 3.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of one embodiment of the system for cleaning escalator handrails in the operating position and in use. In this embodiment, strut 160 is extended, allowing cleaning elements 200 to be positioned at least partly around an escalator handrail 270. The details pertaining to cleaning elements 200 are better disclosed in other figures, which will be discussed further herein.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are side views of one embodiment of the system for cleaning escalator handrails. FIG. 3 shows the system with an escalator handrail. FIG. 4 is the system alone for illustrative purposes. These figures better illustrate the remainder of strut 160 and the integration with mounting bracket 150, otherwise known as the cleaning pad carriage.

In some embodiments, there may be a stopper 180 between the cart base 170 and the strut 160. In some embodiments, stopper 180 may be fixed, providing a constant position for strut 160 when the strut is extended into the operating position. In other embodiments, stopper 180 may be adjustable. In a further embodiment, stopper 180 may be adjusted by turning the knurled knob 181. In a different further embodiment, stopper 180 may be adjusted by loosening the stopper from the attachment to the base 170 and rotating it with respect to the plane of the base.

In some embodiments, strut 160 may further include a positional element 163. A function of positional element 163 is to aid in the positioning and stability of cleaning elements 200. In some embodiments, positional element 163 may be a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder. In some embodiments, positional element 163 may be a gas spring. In some embodiments, positional element 163 may be any other type of linear spring. The reciprocating linear motion of positional element 163 may be achieved in many manners without altering the function of the element.

Strut 160 is coupled with mounting bracket 150. In some embodiments, the joint between strut 160 and bracket 150 is fixed. In some embodiments, the joint between strut 160 and bracket 150 is movable. In an embodiment, mounting bracket 150 rotates around the joint with strut 160, allowing the mounting bracket and cleaning elements 200 to have a different position relative to strut 160. See FIGS. 6 and 9 for examples. Allowing mobility in the joint between strut 160 and bracket 150 further allows cleaning elements 200 to be positioned more accurately with respect to cart 100 and escalator handrail 270. In some embodiments, the joint between may allow movement in only one direction. In other embodiments, the joint may allow movement in two or more directions. In some embodiments, the joint may be a ball joint, allowing almost 100 percent freedom of motion. In some embodiments, the joint may allow movement in three or more axes.

In some embodiments, mounting bracket 150 may have only one mount. In an embodiment, mounting bracket 150 has two mounts, an upper mount 151 and a lower mount 152. In this configuration, a user is able to clean escalator handrail 270 by passing the handrail through both the upper and lower cleaning elements. In one method of use, a user soaks one cleaning element 200 in a cleaning solution and mounts it on lower mount 152. A dry-cleaning element 200 is mounted on upper mount 151, and the cleaning elements are flexed to fit snugly around handrail 270. Handrail 270 is cleaned as it passes first through the wet cleaning element and then through the dry element. Note the direction of travel 280 as depicted in FIG. 3. The particular direction of travel is recommended because it allows the handrail to dry more completely as it runs the length of the escalator. This is important for at least three reasons. The first is that it prevents dust and other debris from the escalator mechanism, such as rollers and guides, from collecting on the handrail. Moreover, a wet handrail entering the system may cause disruptions in the guidance and tracking of the drive system, causing damage to the handrail and escalator as a whole. Furthermore, placing the handrail cleaner at the newel (emerging) end of the escalator helps to prevent a situation in which any part of the handrail cleaner is caught on the handrail and is entrapped by the handrail system. Since the handrail is emerging, any element that becomes caught on the handrail can be pulled off before entering the system, eliminating the damage and safety risks involved in items becoming entrapped in the handrail system.

In another method of use, a dry-cleaning element 200 is mounted on upper mount 151, and a polish or conditioner could be placed on the cleaning element that is mounted on lower mount 152. In another method of use, the cleaning solution may include a polish or conditioner, and the dry element may act as a dryer and buffer. There are many methods of use facilitated by having two cleaning elements positioned one over the other which allow for automated and nearly autonomous cleaning of escalator handrails.

In some embodiments, cleaning elements 200 are coupled with mounts 151 and 152 via fasteners 153. In some embodiments, fasteners 153 are permanent. In some embodiments, fasteners 153 are removable to allow for easy installation and removal of cleaning elements 200. In some embodiments, fasteners 153 may be quick release fasteners, such as push-button pins, quarter-turn fasteners, tension latches, push turn fasteners, or any other easily removed standard fastener.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of one embodiment of the joint between strut 160 and mounting bracket 150. Here it's possible to see the embodiment wherein strut 160 has a forward arm set 161 and a rearward arm set 162. Positional element 163 can be seen, disposed between the sets of arms that comprise the strut 160. In one embodiment, forward arms 161 may be joined by fastener 166. In some embodiments, rearward arms 161 may be joined by a fastener 167. In some embodiments, fastener 166 or fastener 167 may be further disposed through mounting bracket 150. In this embodiment, mounting bracket 150 may rotate about the fastener 166 or 167 to allow alternative positioning of the bracket. In some embodiments, the right and left arm sets may be joined through a center bracket 164. The center bracket 164 may house latch 190. In some embodiments, latch 190 may have a first notch 191, a second notch 192, and a third notch 193. This particular feature and alternative positioning are discussed in more depth with FIG. 7.

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of one embodiment of the system for cleaning escalator handrails wherein the system is in the cleaning element change position. As can be seen, bracket 150 can be rotated such that mounts 151 and 152 are substantially parallel to the base 170. This allows a user to change the cleaning elements 200, or portions thereof, more easily.

The sectional view of this position shown in FIG. 7 is instructional. Note that the image is rotated such that the front of cart 100 is to the left. FIG. 7 shows that, in some embodiments, bracket 150 can be rotated to present cleaning elements 200 for easy and rapid change. When bracket 150 is rotated, its plane is substantially horizontal, or substantially parallel to the plane of base 170 (not depicted in this figure), which allows easy access to cleaning elements 200.

In some embodiments, mounting bracket 150 is coupled with a latch 190. One method of use is that, when bracket 150 is in an alternative position, latch 190 is engaged to prevent the bracket from returning to its in-use position. In another embodiment, latch 190 is used to hold bracket 150 in any position, including the in-use position, for additional structural integrity. In another embodiment, latch 190 may be used to release bracket 190 from the in-use position to allow movement to an alternative position. In some embodiments, latch 190 may have a first notch 191. When bracket 150 is rotated into the changing position, notch 191 may engage catch 194, holding the bracket in that position. In other embodiments, latch 190 may have a first notch 191 and a second notch 192. When bracket 150 is in the in-use position, notch 192 may engage catch 194, holding the bracket in the cleaning, or in-use, position. When bracket 150 is rotated into the changing position, notch 191 may engage catch 194, holding the bracket in the changing position. In some embodiments, latch 190 may have a first notch 191, a second notch 192, and a third notch 193, each notch allowing a different position of mounting bracket 150. In some embodiments, latch 190 may include a spring 195. Spring 195 may be used to establish a “standard” position for bracket 150, allowing the bracket to return to that position when the latch is disengaged from catch 194. In some embodiments, spring 195 may simply provide a counter force to the force exerted by bracket 150 on the rest of the system when the bracket is in any position. As depicted in FIG. 7, spring 195 is a torsion spring. However, spring 195 may be a compression spring, a clock spring, a tension spring, or any other type of spring without altering its function.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of one embodiment of the system for cleaning escalator handrails in the storage position. FIG. 9 is a side view thereof. In this position, strut 160 is retracted so that it is substantially vertical, as opposed to when the system is in the operating position, wherein the strut is at a nearly 45 degree angle to vertical. In some embodiments, cart 100 may include a latch to maintain the storage position. In other embodiments, the storage position may be maintained by the linear spring 163, or by some combination of the linear spring and a separate locking mechanism.

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of one embodiment of the system for cleaning escalator handrails. Bracket 173, to which the strut (not depicted) is fastened, is disposed through the surface of base 170. In some embodiments, the fasteners coupling bracket 173 to base 170 may be permanent, such as, for example, rivets. In other embodiments, the fasteners may be removable, such as nuts and bolts. It may be of value in particular applications to allow the entire strut to be replaced, or to move the strut assembly from a base that has been damaged to one that is intact. Therefore, any number of fasteners can be used in this position without altering the function of the base 170 and bracket 173.

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of one embodiment of cleaning element 200. Cleaning element 200 is comprised of a substantially flexible form 210. In some embodiments, the flexible form 210 may be any flexible material, such plastics, foam, or any number of composites. In other embodiments, the flexible form 210 may be comprised of a non-reactive or substantially inert material, such as silicone, silicone rubber, Teflon, and others. A primary function of flexible form 210 is to provide the specific shape of the cleaning element 200, allowing the element to substantially conform to and almost completely cover the surface and sides of the handrail, while still being flexible enough to be placed onto or removed from the handrail without damaging either the handrail or the form. However, flexible form 210 will almost certainly come into contact with at least a cleaning solution, many of which contain at least one caustic or chemically abrasive ingredient. Flexible form 210 is also likely to come into contact with polishes, waxes, and the handrail material. As such, the material properties of flexible form 210 may become relevant in a particular application. Therefore, many flexible materials may work without altering either the primary or secondary functions of the flexible form 210, and may be changed as necessary for a particular application.

Cleaning element 200 may also include a cleaning cloth 240. Cloth 240 may be microfiber, cotton, terrycloth, or any number of standard cleaning cloth materials, but an embodiment uses microfiber for its ability to hold moisture as well as collect and hold debris. In this application, cleaning cloth 240 will often be required to both hold a cleaning solution and trap any debris that is dislodged in the cleaning process, an application for which microfiber is particularly well suited.

Cleaning cloth 240 is designed to sit flush against the inner portion of form 210, covering the entire surface. In order to do so, it must be held onto form 210 in some way that does not obstruct the function of cleaning cloth 240. One solution is to use support cloth 230. In some embodiments, support cloth 230 is coupled with cleaning cloth 240 on a seam 231 that approximately follows the edge between the inner and outer portions of form 210. Support cloth 230 and cleaning cloth 240 are stretched over form 210, leaving a spot at the top for the form to protrude and allow access to pinhole 260. In some embodiments, the cloths are held onto form 210 by strap 220, which is disposed through a slit 250 in the top of the flexible form. In other embodiments, support cloth 230 may be elastic enough to maintain its position on form 210 without use of the strap. In other embodiments, strap 220 may connect directly with cleaning cloth 240. In other embodiments, cloths 230 and 240 may be one material that is disposed on form 210 in any of the above methods.

Pinhole 260 is the point at which form 210 would be joined with mounting bracket 150 via fastener 153. This is discussed in more detail above.

FIG. 12a is a front view of cleaning element 200. The contour from side to side of cleaning element 200 is designed to cover the top and sides of a handrail, fitting snugly thereon to allow the cleaning cloth 240 to touch all surfaces of the handle that a user might touch. FIG. 12b is a side view, showing the contour of cleaning element 200 from front to back. This is a non-limiting example wherein the embodiment depicted has a slight curve. As seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the system for cleaning escalator handrails may be disposed at the end of the escalator, where the handrail emerges from the floor and begins to run the length of the escalator. A slightly curved longitudinal profile allows cleaning element 200 to maintain contact with the handrail newel end for slightly longer, giving a better clean and reducing friction points between the handrail and the cleaning element, which ultimately reduces wear on the system. However, in other embodiments, the longitudinal contour is substantially straight, allowing the system to be used on moving walkways or other parts of an escalator where there is no curve in the handrail to be accounted for.

Americans with Disability Act handrails also require cleaning and conditioning. FIG. 13 is an isometric view of one embodiment of an ADA handrail cleaner. In this embodiment, a cleaning element 200 is attached to a handle element 300. In some embodiments, the handle 300 may be a fixed length. In some embodiments, the handle 300 may be a retractable telescoping handle, as seen in FIG. 14. The telescoping handle 300 embodiment may include one or more sections 301 wherein the sections are progressively slightly smaller such that the majority of the handle can be retracted into the length of a single section. In FIG. 14, this feature can be seen as each section gets smaller in diameter the farther the handle gets from cleaning element 200. This should not be construed as limiting the number of sections in the telescoping handle 300; so long as the number of sections is greater than one, the handle will telescope. When the handle 300 is telescoping, each section may be joined to another with a locking mechanism 302. In some embodiments, locking mechanism 301 may be a clamping lever, a twist lock, or any other telescope locking mechanism. In some embodiments, handle 300 may include a return spring, such that when the locking mechanism 301 is released, the handle portions automatically retract into one another. This telescoping mechanism allows a user to extend cleaning element 200 along the length of the handle without having to stand on the stairs or ramp to do so, making the cleaning process both safer and more ergonomically sound.

FIG. 15 is an exploded view of one embodiment of the ADA handrail cleaner. Handle 300 is coupled with cleaning element 200 by the addition of a socket 310, a bracket 320, a thumb screw 330, and a bolt 340. Bracket 320 is coupled with flexible form 210 via fastener 153, which, like with the escalator handrail cleaner embodiment, is disposed through the form in pinhole 260. In some embodiments, bracket 320 may include one or more gaskets 321. In some embodiments, bracket 320 may be rigidly coupled to form 210, such that handle 300 is at a constant angle to cleaning element 200. In other embodiments, bracket 320 may be coupled with form 210 in a manner that allows rotation of handle 300 with respect to cleaning element 200. In one such an embodiment, handle 300 may be movable along the longitudinal plane, such that the handle can go from substantially horizontal to substantially vertical. In another such embodiment, handle 300 may pivot universally, allowing the handle to move in any plane around cleaning element 200. This type of embodiment may be useful for curved stairways or ramps, or in sending the cleaning element 200 around a corner.

Fastener 340 is disposed through a hole in bracket 320, and socket 310 is threaded onto the fastener. In some embodiments, fastener 340 may be a permanent fastener, such as a rivet. In other embodiments, fastener 340 may be removable, such as a bolt. In a further embodiment, fastener 340 may be knurled to allow installation and removal without the use of tools. Once socket 310 is in place, handle 300 is threaded into the socket. Thumb screw 330 is then threaded into a hole in the top of socket 310, and the user can finger-tighten the screw to reinforce the joint of handle 300 to cleaning element 200. In some embodiments, thumb screw may be knurled to facilitate a better grip and more user control.

FIGS. 16, 17, and 18 are detailed views of cleaning element 200 with the modifications for use with handle 300. FIG. 16 is an isometric view, showing the bracket 320 coupled with form 210 by fastener 153. It also shows that cleaning element 200 is substantially identical to the cleaning element as used in the escalator handrail cleaning embodiment. Cleaning element 200 has a cleaning cloth 240 coupled with a support cloth 230 and coupled with plastic form 210 by strap 220. While the variations of cleaning element 200 are not repeated here, all of the variations disclosed above still apply. In some embodiments, cleaning element 200 may be a slightly different size in the ADA application than it is in the escalator application, but it performs the same function.

FIG. 17 is a front view of one embodiment of cleaning element 200. This view shows the joint of bracket 320 to socket 310. Socket 310 is coupled with bracket 320 by a fastener 340, which passes through a hole in bracket 320 and into a threaded receiving portion on the bottom of socket 310. Thumb screw 330 allows a user to clamp handle 300 (not shown) into socket 310.

FIG. 18a is a right side view of one embodiment of cleaning element 200 with bracket 320, socket 310, and screw 330 installed, wherein the bracket is coupled with the cleaning element 200 by fastener 153. FIG. 18b is a left side view thereof.

FIG. 19 is an exploded isometric view of a different embodiment of the handrail cleaner. In this embodiment, cleaning element 200 is comprised of the substantially flexible form 210 and cleaning cloth 240 as discussed in FIG. 11. In this embodiment, cleaning cloth 240 may include strap 241. Strap 241 may be used to hold pad 240 onto form 210 with the assistance of strap 220 and spring clips 234, wherein strap 220 is disposed through a slit 250 in the top of the flexible form and held in place with clips 234. Strap 241 is then coupled with strap 220, holding the cloth 240 in place, while spring clips 234 hold strap 242 to form 210. This embodiment of cloth 240 is compatible with either the escalator handrail cleaning mechanism or the ADA handrail cleaning mechanism. Pinhole 260 remains accessible for use on the handrail cleaner, and the ball 420 and socket 421 joint permits use as the ADA handrail cleaner. The ball 420 and socket 421 joint also permits a greater degree of mobility between the handle 300 and the cleaner 200, as the ball snaps into the socket, but still rotates freely within.

FIG. 20 is an isometric view of a different embodiment of the escalator handrail cleaner. In this embodiment, positional element 163 is coupled with a two-part base, wherein the lower portion 176 and the upper portion 177 are joined by fasteners 178, leaving a gap between the upper and lower base portions. In this embodiment, the mounting bracket 150 may be further positionable via thumbscrew 196, which can be turned to loosen or tighten a clamp to allow for the mounting bracket to be raised or lowered.

FIG. 21 shows that, in some embodiments, the two-part base may be operatively coupled with a slider portion 179, which may be free standing or may be mounted to a floor or the cart base 170. Clamp 197 is operatively coupled with the two-part base, providing a locking mechanism by which the base can either be held in place or, when the clamp is released, permits the base to slide along the slider portion 179.

FIG. 22 is a right side view of the slider embodiment, showing claim 197 in position relative to the two-part base and the slider, as well as thumb-screw 198, which is configured to allow the mounting bracket to be moved, tilted, removed, or replaced.

FIG. 23 is an isometric view of another embodiment of a system for cleaning escalator handrails. The system is shown in an extended position (or operating position). The system is comprised of a cart 500 and a cleaning element assembly 600.

In some embodiments, cart 500 may include a handle 510. Handle 510 may be used to push or pull cart 500 into a proper position. Handle 510 may be metallic, plastic, wood, may be curved, straight, or any other shape or material without altering the function of the handle.

In some embodiments, cart 500 may include a receptacle 520. The receptacle may be defined as a space between a base 570 and doors 530. Receptacle 520 may be used for storing and/or transporting supplies, such as cleaning solutions, tubs, replacement parts, tools, and/or other items via the cart 500.

The doors 530 may be rotatable and coupled to supports 540. The supports 540 may couple the handle 510 to the base 570. The supports 540 may be elongated members that are coupled to the base in a perpendicular orientation. The doors 530 may open/close by rotation about the supports 540. The doors 530 may be opened during a cleaning process and used to block or demarcate a space near the cleaning element assembly 600, such as to prevent or reduce a likelihood of unauthorized interaction with the cleaning element assembly 600 during a cleaning process.

The base 570 is a support structure for cart 500, and as such can be any rigid material without impacting the function of the base. The base 570 may be generally rectangular shaped or square shaped; however other shapes may be used (e.g., diamond shape, parallelogram shape, oval shape, etc.). In various embodiments, the base may be generally square shaped, but may include a chamfer that removes part of a corner of the square (when viewed from above). In some embodiments, base 570 may include wheels 571. The wheels 571 may be located at corners or near an edge of the base. In some embodiments, the cart 500 may include three or four wheels 571. The wheels 571 may be casters, which are configured to swivel to allow movement of the cart 500 if different directions. Use of casters may allow the cart 500, and thus the cleaning element assembly 600 to move to perform the cleaning function described herein. In some embodiments, wheels 571 may be covered by a portion of base 570, such as a wheel guard.

In some embodiments, the cart 500 may include a stanchion 560. The stanchion 560 may be coupled directly to the base 570. The stanchion 560 may be an elongated arm or member that projects outwards from the base 570. The stanchion 560 may be coupled to a corner or the base 570 or near an edge of the base to enable positioning the cleaning element assembly 600 on a handrail of practically any escalator, even escalators installed adjacent to a wall. The stanchion 560 may include features that enable adjustment of the cleaning element assembly 600 relative to the base 570, thereby providing a height adjustment of the cleaning element assembly 600.

In some embodiments, the stanchion 560 may be coupled to a stanchion pivot feature 562. The stanchion pivot feature 562 may be coupled to the base 570. The stanchion pivot feature 562 may enable rotation of the stanchion 560 about a longitudinal axis of the stanchion 560. In some embodiments, the stanchion pivot feature 562 may be implemented as discs coupled at a center of rotation.

A yoke 564 may be coupled to the stanchion 560. The yoke 564 may be moveable along the stanchion 560, thereby allowing an adjustment of a height of the yoke 564 relative to the base 570. The yoke 564 may include a coupling feature to selectively engage the stanchion 560. When the coupling feature is engaged with the stanchion 560, the yoke 564 may not move relative to the stanchion 560. When the coupling feature is at least partially disengaged from the stanchion 560, the yoke 564 may be moved relative to the stanchion 560, such as along a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the stanchion 560.

A mounting bracket 566 may be rotatably coupled to the yoke 564. The mounting bracket (otherwise known as the cleaning pad carriage) may support one or more cleaning elements 568, which form the cleaning element assembly 600. In some embodiments, the mounting bracket 566 may be “C” shaped, and may include two cleaning elements located on ends of the mounting bracket 566. Rotation of the mounting bracket 566 relative to the stanchion 560 may enable locating the cleaning elements 568 in a correct position on a handrail of an escalator, in a maintenance position, and/or in a storage position. The mounting bracket 566 may be coupled to the yoke 564 via a pin, and may rotate about the pin at or near an intermediate location of a body of the mounting bracket 566. Thus, the yoke 564 may couple to a location of the mounting assembly 566 between the coupling elements 568. Other types of joints may be used to enable this described rotation.

In various embodiments, the cleaning elements 568 may be rotatably coupled to the mounting bracket 566. Rotation of the cleaning elements 568 relative to the mounting bracket 566 may enable locating the cleaning elements 568 in a correct position on a handrail of an escalator during a cleaning operation. The each of the cleaning elements 568 may be coupled to the mounting bracket 566 via a pin, and may rotate about the pin. However, other types of joints may be used to enable this described rotation.

FIG. 24 is an environmental isometric view of the system shown in FIG. 23. As shown, the cleaning elements 568 are situated at least partly around an escalator handrail 270 during a cleaning operation. During the cleaning operation the escalator handrail 270 may move in a direction shown in FIG. 24 (clockwise as shown in this example). A first cleaning element 568(1) of the cleaning elements 568 may be saturated with a cleaning solution that is applied to the escalator handrail 270 during operation of the escalator. The escalator need not be stopped to initiate cleaning by the system described herein. A second cleaning element 568(1) of the cleaning elements 568 may include an absorptive pad, which may absorb at least some of the cleaning solution and remove debris, dirt, and/or other foreign material from the escalator handrail 270 to clean and/or disinfect the escalator handrail 270. A cleaning process may be run for predetermined amount of time, after which the cart 500 may be repositioned on another escalator handrail, the cleaning elements may be re-saturated with cleaning solution, or cleaning may be discontinued.

In accordance with various embodiments, the cart 500 may be configured for cleaning the escalator handrail 270 that rotates in an opposite direction. In that situation, the second cleaning element 568(2) would include be saturated with the cleaning solution while the first cleaning element 568(1) would include the absorptive pad to absorb at least some of the cleaning solution and remove debris, dirt, and/or other foreign material from the escalator handrail 270 to clean and/or disinfect the escalator handrail 270. The cleaning elements 568 may be the same and each include an absorptive pad. The different in operation is that one may be saturated with the cleaning solution while the other is initially dry and used to recapture at least some the cleaning solution.

FIG. 25 is an environmental side view of the system shown in FIG. 23. During positioning of the cleaning elements 568 with respect to the escalator handrail 270, the mounting assembly 566 may be raised/lowered by moving the yoke 564 relative to the stanchion 560. The mounting assembly 566 may be rotated relative to the yoke 564 to position the cleaning elements 568 in a proper position on the escalator handrail 270, as shown in FIG. 25. The system may self-adjust and cause repositioning the components of the cart (e.g., the mounting assembly 566, rotation of the stanchion 560, movement of the cart 500 via the wheels 571, etc.), thereby causing the cleaning elements 568 to engage a correct position on the escalator handrail 270 during a cleaning operation. In various embodiments, a gap created by interaction between the mounting assembly 566 and the yoke 564 may create a gauge 590 usable to determine whether the cleaning elements 568 are in a proper position on the escalator handrail 270. The a location of the gap, as viewed by the gauge 590 may indicate which direction, if any, an operator should rotate the mounting assembly 566 relative to the yoke 564 (e.g., clockwise, counterclockwise).

FIG. 26 is an isometric view of the system configured in a storage position within the cart 500 and with cart doors in an open position. To move from the cleaning position, shown in FIG. 25, to the storage position, the stanchion 560 may be rotated to situate the cleaning elements 568 over the base 570 and possibly near a center of the base 570. The yoke 564 may be moved along the stanchion 560 toward the base 570 to a lower position, thus reducing a height of the yoke 564. The doors 530 are shown in an open position.

FIG. 27 is an isometric view of a back side of the system configured in the storage position within the cart 500 and with cart doors 530 in the closed position. During transport of the cart 500, the doors may be located in the closed position. The doors may include coupling features that engage the other door, the base, and/or corresponding coupling features to secure the doors in the closed position.

FIG. 28 is an isometric view of the system for cleaning escalator handrails in a maintenance position. To move from the cleaning position, shown in FIG. 25, to the maintenance position, the mounting assembly 566 may be rotated to position the cleaning elements 568 above the yoke 564. By positioning the cleaning elements 568 above the yoke 564, an operator may have better access to the cleaning elements, such as to inspect the cleaning elements, apply a pad to one or more of the cleaning elements 568, apply cleaning solution to one or more of the cleaning elements 568, and so forth.

FIG. 29 is side view of an illustrative subassembly 502 of the system including the stanchion 560, the yoke 564, the mounting bracket 566, and the cleaning elements 568. The subassembly 502 may be removable from the base 570 of the cart 500 shown in FIG. 23. The subassembly 502 may be configured for mounting on different platforms, including fixed platforms and/or mobile platforms. The subassembly 502 is shown in the maintenance position, but can be moved to the cleaning position, the storage position, or intermediate positions.

The cleaning elements 568 are shown in FIG. 29 with pads 569. The pads 569 may be formed of cleaning material, such as a microfiber, which may efficiently remove dirt, debris, and other foreign objects from an escalator handrail. The pad 569 may include a foam core, such as a sponge material to absorb a cleaning solution. The foam core may be sandwiched between layers of material, such as layers of microfiber. The a pad 569 may be secured to a cleaning element using a coupler and/or by form-fitting the pad over at least part of the cleaning element. For example, the pad 569 may be formed of a material having elastic properties, which can be stretched over the cleaning element to create a friction fit. The pad 569 may be secured by other means, such as by hook and loop couplers, snaps, “c” shaped spring clips, and so forth.

In various embodiments, the yoke 564 may include a coupling device 563 that selectively engages the stanchion 560 to restrict movement of the yoke 564 relative the stanchion 560. In some embodiments, the coupling device 563 is a spring loaded pin that engages one of a plurality of apertures situated on the stanchion 560. To move the yoke 564 relative to the stanchion 560, an operator would manipulate the coupling device 563 to disengage the pin from an aperture to enable movement of the yoke 564. Other coupling feature designs may be used to achieve comparable operation and height adjustments.

FIG. 30 is an exploded isometric view of the illustrative subassembly of the system. The exploded view shows various coupler devices that may be used to couple different components of the system, and enable rotational movement between those components. A first coupling feature 565 may couple the mounting assembly 566 to the yoke 564. The first coupling feature 565 may be a pin, which allows rotation of the mounting assembly 566 about a longitudinal axis of the pin. Second coupling features 567 may couple a cleaning element 568 to the mounting assembly 566. The second coupling features 567 may be pins, which allows rotation of a cleaning element 568 about a longitudinal axis of the pin.

A contour of side plates of the mounting assembly 566 may limit movement (e.g., rotation) of the mounting assembly relative to the yoke 564 and/or may limit movement (e.g., rotation) of each cleaning element 568 relative to the mounting assembly 566. For example, tabs near a mounting location of the cleaning elements 568 on the mounting assembly 566 may engage the cleaning elements 568 to limit rotation thereof, such as rotation caused by movement of the escalator handrail through the cleaning element during a cleaning operation.

FIG. 31 is an isometric view of another embodiment of the cleaning element 568 for the system for cleaning handrails. In some embodiments, the cleaning element 568 may be partially or substantially formed from a flexible form. The cleaning element may be formed of any flexible material, such plastics, foam, or any number of composites. In other embodiments, the flexible form may be comprised of a non-reactive or substantially inert material, such as silicone, silicone rubber, Teflon, and others. A primary function of flexible form is to provide the specific profile shape 702 of the cleaning element 568, allowing the element to substantially conform to and at least partially cover a surface and sides of the handrail that are exposed to human use, while still being flexible enough to be placed onto or removed from the handrail without damaging either the handrail or the form. The profile shape 702 may resemble a “C” shape. The flexible form will come into contact with at least a cleaning solution, many of which contain at least one caustic or chemically abrasive ingredient. Flexible form is also likely to come into contact with polishes, waxes, and the handrail material. As such, the material properties of flexible form may become relevant in a particular application. Therefore, many flexible materials may work without altering either the primary or secondary functions of the flexible form, and may be changed as necessary for a particular application.

The cleaning element 568 may include a mounting component 704, which is configured to be coupled to the mounting assembly 566 shown in FIG. 23, and/or configured to be coupled to a handle similar to the handle described below and shown in FIG. 41. The mounting component 704 may be shaped in a cylindrical form, and may include a pin aperture 706 through or near a longitudinal axis of the mounting component 704. The pin aperture 706 may receive the second coupling feature 567 shown in FIG. 30. The mounting component 704 may include a ball joint cavity 708, which may be configured to receive a corresponding ball joint component. The corresponding ball joint component may be coupled to a handle, and may enable an operator to use the cleaning element manually by gripping the handle. An example handle and ball joint component are shown in FIGS. 41-43.

The cleaning element 568 may include various recesses, cavities, and/or other coupling features to enable coupling of devices, materials, and/or other objects to the cleaning element. The cleaning element 568 may include a plurality of clip recesses 710, which may be engaged by a spring clip, such as a “C” shaped clip. The cleaning element 568 may include a plurality of pad couplers 712, which may couple to a pad (e.g. the pad 569 shown in FIG. 30) to secure the pad to the cleaning element. The pad couplers 712 may use hook and look couplers to couple to the pad. The pad couplers may engage the cleaning element 568 through pad coupler apertures 714.

FIG. 32 is an isometric view of the cleaning element shown in FIG. 31 including the pad 569. The pad (also referred to herein as a “cloth”), may be formed at least partly of microfiber, cotton, terrycloth, or any number of standard cleaning cloth materials. Microfiber may be ideal for its ability to hold moisture as well as collect and hold debris. In this application, the pad 569 may be used to both hold a cleaning solution and trap any debris that is dislodged in the cleaning process, an application for which microfiber is particularly well suited.

The pad 569 may be designed to sit flush against an inner portion 716 of cleaning element 568, covering a majority of or an entire surface of the inner portion 716, and possibly covering other portions of the cleaning element 568. In order to do so, the pad 569 may be able to couple to the cleaning element 568 in some way that does not obstruct the function of pad 569. One solution is create a pocket in the pad that can couple to the cleaning element 568. In some embodiments, the pad 569 is stretched over a portion of the cleaning element, which is inserted at least partly into the pocket(s), leaving a spot at the top for the form to protrude and allow access to coupling features and the mounting component 704. In some embodiments, the pad 569 is held onto the cleaning element 568 by straps 718 that couple to the pad couplers 712, such as by hook and loop couplers. In various embodiments, the pad 569 may be elastic enough to maintain its position on or over part of the cleaning element 568 without use of the strap 718. In other embodiments, strap 718 may connect directly with pad 569.

FIG. 33 is a front view of the cleaning element shown in FIG. 31 including the pad 569. The contour from side to side of cleaning element 568 is designed to partially or substantially cover the top and sides of a handrail, fitting snugly thereon to allow the pad 569 to touch surfaces of the handle that a human might touch. The profile shape 702 of the cleaning element is “C” shaped to cover a large cross-sectional area of a standard handrail, including both moving handrails (e.g., on an escalator) and fixed or stationary handrails (e.g., on a staircase, on a balcony, on the deck of a maritime vessel, etc.).

FIG. 34 is a side view of the cleaning element shown in FIG. 31 including the pad. This is a non-limiting example wherein a body of the cleaning element 568 includes a slightly curved longitudinal profile 720. As seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the system for cleaning escalator handrails may be disposed at the end of the escalator, where the handrail emerges from the floor and begins to run the length of the escalator. The slightly curved longitudinal profile 720 may allow the cleaning element 568 to maintain contact with the handrail newel end for slightly longer, giving a better clean and reducing friction points between the handrail and the cleaning element, which may ultimately reduce wear on the system. However, in other embodiments, the longitudinal contour is substantially straight, allowing the system to be used on moving walkways or other parts of an escalator where there is no curvature or little curvature in the handrail.

FIG. 35 is an isometric view of the cleaning element shown in FIG. 31 including one or more retaining clips 722. The retaining clips 722 may be “C” shaped spring clips that engage the clip recesses 710 to couple the retaining clip(s) 722 to the cleaning element. The retaining clips 722 may cause the foam of the cleaning element to retain a certain shape (e.g., the “C” shape) to conform to a profile of a handrail, and thus cause the pad to contact the handrail during a cleaning operation. The retaining clips may deflect (e.g., flex outward) when inserting the cleaning element over a handrail. In some embodiments, the retaining clips may serve other purposes and/or additional purposes, such as to secure the pad 569 to the cleaning element.

FIG. 36 is a schematic view showing the retaining clips engaged on a cleaning element. Ends of the retaining clip 722 at least partially insert into the clip recess 710 to secure the retaining clip 722 to the cleaning element. The retaining clip may be selectively removed for various reasons, including to allow cleaning of handrails having a larger diameter than a diameter of the retaining clip 722 (possibly even when deflected outward).

FIG. 37 is a front view of the cleaning element shown in FIG. 36 and shows an illustrative range of deflections of the cleaning element to accommodate insertion over a handrail and/or different cross-sectional profiles of different handrails. Without any external forces, the profile of the cleaning element may be shaped as a first profile 724. The cleaning element may be stretched outward to a second profile 726 and/or to a third profile 728 depending on a diameter of a handrail. The form of the cleaning element and the retaining clip may retain the shape of the cleaning element, and may return to the first profile 724 absent engagement with a handrail.

FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional isometric view of the cleaning element shown in FIG. 35. FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional front view of the cleaning element shown in FIG. 35. FIGS. 38 and 29 show the clip recesses 710 and the inner surface 716.

FIG. 40 is a front view of the cleaning element shown in FIG. 39 without the retaining clips 722 (shown in FIG. 35) and shows an illustrative range of deflection of the cleaning element to accommodate insertion over a handrail and/or different cross-sectional profiles of different handrails. Without any external forces, the profile of the cleaning element may be shaped as the first profile 724. The cleaning element may be stretched outward to a fourth profile 730 depending on a diameter of a handrail, an in an absence of the retaining clip 722. However, with the retaining clip secured in the clip recess (as shown in FIG. 37), the fourth profile 730 may not be achievable due to force imparted on the cleaning element 568 by the retaining clip 722. The fourth profile has a larger diameter than the third profile 728 shown in FIG. 37. The form of the cleaning element 568 may retain the shape of the cleaning element, and may return to the first profile 724 absent engagement with a handrail.

FIG. 41 is an isometric view of yet another embodiment of a system for cleaning handrails. FIG. 41 shows a handle assembly 800 that is configured to selectively couple to a cleaning element 900. The cleaning element 900 may be the same or similar to the cleaning element 568 shown in FIG. 31. However, the cleaning element 900 may be different, and may include a smaller diameter than the cleaning element 568 to accommodate cleaning fixed handrails having a smaller diameter than a standard escalator handrail, for example. For example, the cleaning element 900 may be designed to clean handrails having a cross-sectional diameter of less than two inches (approximately less than fifty millimeters).

The handle assembly 800 may include a handle 802 to be gripped by a human operator during a cleaning operation. The handle 802 may be coupled to a shaft 804 on a first end of the shaft 804. A second end of the shaft 804 may be coupled to a ball joint 806. A coupling mechanism 808 may be coupled to a location along the shaft between the first end and the second end.

The cleaning element 900 may include a body 902 that engages a handrail during a cleaning operation. The cleaning element 900 may include any of the properties and/or features described above with regard to the cleaning element 568 shown in FIG. 31. The cleaning element 900 may include a socket joint 904 to receive the ball joint 806. The cleaning element 900 may include a mounting component 906 to couple to the coupling mechanism 808. The mounting component 906 may have a profile that is complementary to the profile of the coupling mechanism 808, which may clip or snap together, for example. The cleaning element 900 may include a pad coupler 908, which may be configured to secure a pad to the cleaning element. The pad may be similar or the same as the pad 569 shown in FIG. 32.

The handle assembly 800 may be configured to couple to the cleaning element 568 shown in FIG. 31, such as by engaging corresponding coupling features on the cleaning element 568 to secure the ball in the corresponding socket (e.g., the ball joint cavity 708 shown in FIG. 31).

FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional isometric view of the cleaning element 900 shown in FIG. 41. The cross-sectional view shows an illustrative view of the socket joint 904 and an illustrative positioning of the a pad coupler 908.

FIG. 43 is an isometric view of the system shown in FIG. 41 and including the pad coupler 908 configured to secure a pad to the cleaning element 900.

During operation of the assembled handle 800 assembly and cleaning element 900, a human user may move the cleaning element across a handrail to clean the handrail while the ball joint 806 move relative to the socket joint 904, allowing the operator to comfortably move the cleaning element from a wide range of angles. The shaft 804 allows the operator to reach a distance to cause the cleaning element 900 to engage the handrail, which may be inches or feet away from the human operator, such as above the operator.

While particular aspects of the present subject matter described herein have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that, based upon the teachings herein, changes and modifications may be made without departing from the subject matter described herein and its broader aspects and, therefore, the appended claims are to encompass within their scope all such changes and modifications as are within the true spirit and scope of this subject matter described herein. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the disclosure is defined by the appended claims. It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to disclosures containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.).

While preferred and alternative embodiments of the disclosure have been illustrated and described, as noted above, many changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the disclosure is not limited by the disclosure of these preferred and alternate embodiments. Instead, the disclosure should be determined entirely by reference to the claims that follow. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for cleaning a handrail, the apparatus comprising: a handle assembly including: a handle, a shaft attached to the handle, the shaft having: a first linear section at a proximal end of the shaft, and a second linear section that extends transversely from the first linear section at a distal end of the shaft, and a coupling mechanism including a ball joint disposed at an end of the second linear section of the shaft; and a cleaning element including: a mounting component to engage the coupling mechanism, and a pad configured to removably couple to the mounting component, the pad being folded to have a cleaning surface of the pad face itself and sized to cover opposing sides of the handrail, wherein the cleaning element is spaced away from the first linear section of the shaft by a distance equal to a length of the second linear section to facilitate movement of the cleaning element.
 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the handle includes a grip portion extending over the first linear section at the proximal end of the shaft.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pad is folded to form an arc.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the coupling mechanism includes a clip to engage the mounting component to securely attach the cleaning element to the handle assembly.
 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ball joint member is sized to engage an opening in the mounting component, and wherein the coupling mechanism further includes: a clip disposed around the ball joint member, the clip configured to removably clamp onto sides of the mounting component adjacent the opening.
 6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the distal end of the is attached to the ball joint member.
 7. A manually manipulable cleaning device comprising: a handle; a shaft attached to the handle, the shaft having: a first linear section at a proximal end of the shaft, and a second linear section that extends transversely from the first linear section at a distal end of the shaft; a coupling mechanism including a ball joint disposed at an end of the second linear section of the shaft; a mounting component disposed to engage the coupling mechanism; and a pad configured to removably couple to the mounting component, the pad being folded to have a cleaning surface of the pad face itself and sized to cover opposing sides of the handrail, wherein the pad is spaced away from the first linear section of the shaft by at least a distance equal to a length of the second linear section to facilitate movement of the pad.
 8. The manually manipulable cleaning device according to claim 7, wherein the handle includes a grip portion extending over the first linear section at the proximal end of the shaft.
 9. The manually manipulable cleaning device according to claim 7, wherein the coupling mechanism further includes a clip.
 10. The manually manipulable cleaning device according to claim 9, wherein the clip is a c-shaped clamp sized to engage the mounting component.
 11. The manually manipulable cleaning device according to claim 10, wherein the mounting component includes a body having a clamping portion to receive the c-shaped clamp.
 12. The manually manipulable cleaning device according to claim 11, wherein the mounting component has an opening on a surface of the body over which the c-shaped clamp is received such that the ball joint abuts the opening of the surface of the body.
 13. The manually manipulable cleaning device according to claim 7, wherein the mounting component includes an attachment strip via which the pad is secured to the mounting component.
 14. An apparatus for cleaning a handrail comprising: a handle; a shaft attached to the handle, the shaft having: a first linear section at a proximal end of the shaft, and a second linear section that extends transversely from the first linear section at a distal end of the shaft; a coupling mechanism including a ball joint disposed at an end of the second linear section of the shaft; and a mounting component disposed to engage the coupling mechanism, the mounting component configured to removably couple to a cleaning pad such that, upon coupling the cleaning pad to the mounting component, the cleaning pad is folded to have a cleaning surface of the cleaning pad face itself, wherein the cleaning pad is spaced away from the first linear section of the shaft by a distance equal to a length of the second linear section to facilitate movement of the cleaning element.
 15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the handle includes a grip portion extending over the first linear section at the proximal portion of the shaft.
 16. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the ball joint member is sized to engage an opening in the mounting component, and wherein the coupling mechanism further includes: a clip disposed around the ball joint member, the clip configured to removably clamp onto sides of the mounting component adjacent the opening.
 17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the clip is a c-shaped clamp sized to engage the mounting component.
 18. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the mounting component includes an attachment strip via which the pad is secured to the mounting component. 